Nyahururu Falls

Drive 3 hours north of Nairobi and you'll arrive at the little town of Nyahururu, named originally after the Scottish explorer who discovered its dramatic, neighboring waterfall (Thompson's Falls) in the late 19th century. This cascade, located just north and east of the town center, has become something of a favorite stop for those traveling between Mt Kenya and Nakuru Lake, and for good reason - seeing as it plunges the Ewaso Narok River 72 m (236 ft) into a misty pool below. But don't be content with simply snapping a few shots from the viewing platform while fending off curio vendors. Hire a guide (if you're not already with one) and take the hike down to the base of the falls, where you can appreciate the true magnitude of this natural gem. Be warned, however; depending on your conditioning it can be a bit tiring coming out.

Location:Nyahururu, Kenya

Note:Should you be adamant about remaining upstream, there's a hippo pool worth checking out about 1 km before the falls as well.